Method of preparing hepatitis B core antigen
AssigneeMerck & Co., Inc.
InventorsWilliam J. McAleer, William J. Miller, Edward H. Wasmuth
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Abstract
HB.sub.c Ag is prepared by isolating Dane particles by isopycnic banding of fluid from HB.sub.s Ag positive donors, optionally but preferably pelleting the Dane particles, and then removing the surface antigen by contacting the Dane particles with a nonionic surfactant having from about 15 to about 35 oxyethylene units in the presence of a reducing agent such as mercaptoethanol. The isolated core antigen is used as a diagnostic and immunologic agent.
Claims7
A method of preparing hepatitis B core antigen which comprises treating Dane particles with a nonionic surfactant having from about 15 to about 35 oxyethylene units in the presence of a mercaptan reducing agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.